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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Gilgamesh put over Enkidu when he is dead?

2. What does Ishtar turn the gardener into?

3. To whom does Gilgamesh tell Enkidu's dream?

4. Gilgamesh calls Enkidu his friend and what?

5. What happens to Enkidu after the gods fight?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the similarities between Utnapishtim's flood story and the Biblical account of Noah and the flood. What is the symbolism of the flood? Why do you think at least one man is saved in each story?

Essay Topic 2

Enlil is said to be the god who appointed Humbaba protector of the cedar forest. In Tablet, 7 Enlil is the god who announces that Enkidu shall die for his part in the killing of Humbaba, the bull of heaven and cutting down the cedar forest. Knowing that Enlil wanted the forest protected why do you think he chooses Enkidu over Gilgamesh as the one to die? Do you think that Enkidu's previous knowledge of Humbaba and the forest plays a role in Enlil's decision? Does Enlil count Gilgamesh innocent because he did not originally know the story of Humbaba and the cedar forest?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of women in the Gilgamesh epic. The courtesan functions to lead Enkidu out of the woods and introduce him to civilization. This could be considered a good event or a bad event. Ishtar becomes enraged when Gilgamesh spurns her love. Ishtar does not easily let her anger go and calls down terrible curses on Gilgamesh and Enkidu.

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